Dr. Brad’s Weekly Health Update: Wake up! Long naps could be hurting your health
Long naps associated with type 2 diabetes risk.
Compared to taking short naps or no naps at all, the risk for type 2 diabetes appears to be 45% higher among those who nap an hour or more each day. Analysis of data on more than 300,000 people revealed that shorter naps had no effect on diabetic risk. Dr. Joel Zonszein, the director of the Clinical Diabetes Center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City notes, “Type 2 diabetes is a very complex disorder that can be affected by many environmental factors, including sleep patterns— particularly in those individuals that have genetic factors to develop diabetes.” European Association for the Study of Diabetes, September 2016
Consumer product chemicals contribute to household dust.
According to a new report, household dust contains 45 chemicals that could potentially harm people in their own homes and many of these chemicals come from consumer products such as furniture, carpeting, drapes, electronics, and toys. Lead author Dr. Ami Zota writes, “Indoor dust is a reservoir for consumer product chemicals. Many of the times when these chemicals are added to consumer products, they’re not chemically bound to the products. They can migrate out of the product and into the air or dust.” Further research is needed to determine if these chemicals can cause serious health problems to homeowners and their families. However, to reduce exposure to household dust, wash hands frequently, vacuum carpets often, wet-mop hard surfaces, buy safer products without flame retardants, stain guard, or phthalates, and open windows for fresh air circulation. Environmental Science & Technology, September 2016
Make a heart-healthy salad.
Many people believe salads have to be boring or bland to be nutritious, and it can be easy to overdo calories when adding too many fats and other potentially unhealthy ingredients. The American Heart Association offers these tips to create an exciting and nutritious salad: choose dark, leafy greens and accent with fresh herbs; add vegetables such as cucumber, cauliflower, and broccoli to boost crunch and nutrition; include proteins such as fish, skinless chicken, hard-boiled egg, beans, nuts, and low-fat cheese; add chopped-up fresh fruit for sweetness; add whole grains such as quinoa, barley, couscous, bulgur, or wild rice to help you feel fuller; and make a healthy vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. American Heart Association, September 2016
Risk factors for low back pain In US workers.
Researchers found the prevalence of self-reported low back pain was 25.7% among workers in the United States. Additionally, they found significant associations between low back pain and psychosocial factors such as work-family imbalance, exposure to hostile work, and job insecurity. The findings suggest that employers, policymakers, and healthcare providers should take these factors into consideration when creating programs aimed at reducing low back pain and its consequences among workers. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, August 2016
Millions of older Americans don’t exercise.
A new government report claims that more than 25% of Americans over the age of 50 don’t engage in any regular physical activity. An analysis of a 2014 national survey found that 31 million older adults in America are inactive, increasing their risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Physical activity can increase an individual’s lifespan, lower the risk of many chronic diseases, and reduce the risk of falls and broken bones. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, September 2016
Yours in health,
Dr. Brad Butler, DC
